An Inspired Chat with Holly Essler-Boos of Tempe

We recently had the chance to connect with Holly Essler-Boos and have shared our conversation below.

Holly, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
One of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is that you only seek it out when things are “bad enough.” Many people still imagine therapy as a last resort, reserved for crisis situations or major breakdowns. The truth is, therapy is just as valuable for prevention, growth, and self-discovery as it is for healing. It’s a space to process stress, learn new skills, and build resilience before life feels overwhelming.

Another misunderstanding is that therapy is about “fixing” people. At Empowering You Therapy, we don’t view clients as broken or in need of repair. Instead, we see therapy as a collaborative process where we build on your strengths, uncover patterns, and create tools that help you live more aligned with your values.

From a business standpoint, people also sometimes assume that therapy is one-size-fits-all, that every session looks the same or follows a rigid script. In reality, my team and I use evidence-based modalities like EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Gottman Method depending on what’s best for each client. No two sessions look exactly alike, because no two people are exactly alike.

Finally, some may be surprised to learn that therapy isn’t only for individuals struggling with mental health diagnoses. We see high-achievers, entrepreneurs, couples, teens, and people who simply want to invest in themselves. Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of self-awareness and strength.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Holly Essler-Boos, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and founder of Empowering You Therapy, a group practice based in Arizona. Our mission is simple: to create a safe, modern, and approachable space where people feel truly seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

What makes our practice unique is our balance of clinical expertise and real-world relatability. We combine evidence-based approaches like EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Gottman Method with an understanding that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. My team and I believe in meeting clients where they are, whether that means working through trauma, building healthier relationships, or helping high-achieving individuals quiet the pressure to always “do more.”

Outside the therapy room, I’m passionate about expanding the conversation around mental health through writing, social media, and currently starting a podcast that will bring a fresh, real approach to topics people often feel alone in.

And yes, our therapy dog, Murphy, often steals the show and reminds everyone that healing can include joy, laughter, and connection.

Right now, I’m focused on growing Empowering You Therapy into a space that not only provides excellent therapy but also gives both clients and clinicians a sense of community and belonging.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that my worth was tied to how much I achieved and how “perfect” I could be. I thought if I worked hard enough, did everything right, and never let anyone down, then I would be enough.

Now, after years of my own personal growth and working with clients, I no longer carry that belief. I’ve learned that worth isn’t earned through productivity or perfection, it’s something we all inherently have.

Letting go of that old narrative has been freeing, and it’s something I’m passionate about helping others unlearn too.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self, “You are already enough, exactly as you are.” You don’t need to prove yourself by being perfect, by taking care of everyone else, or by achieving more than the people around you. Your worth isn’t something that has to be earned. It has always been there and it always will be.

I would remind her that it’s safe to take up space, to have a voice, and to make mistakes along the way. Power doesn’t come from being flawless. It comes from being authentic, resilient, and willing to keep showing up even when life feels uncertain. One day, the very things you think make you “too much” or “not enough” will be the qualities that help you build a life filled with purpose, connection, and joy.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
For me, it comes down to intention and impact. Fads often feel loud and urgent. They show up quickly, promise quick fixes, and tend to fade just as fast. Foundational shifts, on the other hand, stand the test of time because they actually create lasting change.

In my field, that means asking a few key questions: Does this align with research and evidence-based practice? Does it genuinely help people move toward healing and growth? Or does it just look good on the surface and generate buzz for a moment?

For example, in therapy and wellness spaces, we see plenty of trendy “hacks” that may get attention on social media but don’t actually address the root of what people are struggling with. A foundational shift might not be as flashy, but it transforms the way we approach mental health, connection, and resilience in a sustainable way.

Ultimately, the difference is that fads spark temporary excitement, while foundational shifts spark real transformation.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I can slow down and be fully present in the moment. Sometimes that looks like quiet mornings with my husband and our golden retriever, Murphy, soaking in the stillness before the day gets busy. Other times it’s being outside skiing in the mountains, golfing on a sunny day, or simply moving my body in a good workout. Those moments remind me how powerful it feels to be grounded in both mind and body.

I also find peace in the therapy room, when I witness a client have a breakthrough or finally show themselves compassion after years of self-criticism. There’s a calmness that comes from knowing the work we’re doing together is making a real difference.

Peace, to me, isn’t about the absence of stress or noise. It’s about finding stillness within myself even when life feels full, and holding onto those small moments of joy and connection that remind me I’m exactly where I need to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.empoweringyoutherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringyou.therapy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-essler-boos-72bba354
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweringyoutherapy
• Other: TikTok: @empoweringyou.therapy